Uniforms & training attire
Do I need a uniform right away?
We understand most people don’t want to purchase training attire before they know our training is right for them. Until then, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (jogging or yoga apparel is fine).
Uniform links (Japan vendors):
Dojo shirts & Budokan items:
https://florida-budokan-shop.fourthwall.com
Choosing a school
Selecting the right school is one of the most important steps in your martial arts journey. A good teacher supports your physical and spiritual well-being and promotes self-development. A poor teacher can create confusion, frustration, and even unsafe habits.
Five traits of a great school:
About the Florida Budokan The Florida Budokan is comprised of three dojo programs:
Do I need a uniform right away?
We understand most people don’t want to purchase training attire before they know our training is right for them. Until then, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing (jogging or yoga apparel is fine).
- Please do not wear shorts at the dojo.
- When you’re ready to purchase a uniform, we encourage you to support Japanese shops by ordering directly from Japan.
Uniform links (Japan vendors):
- Iaido Uniform here
- Kyudo Uniform Female here
- Kyudo Uniform Male here
- Karate uniform, Belt and Sparring Gear here
- Everything else https://tozandoshop.com/FloridaBudokan
Dojo shirts & Budokan items:
https://florida-budokan-shop.fourthwall.com
Choosing a school
Selecting the right school is one of the most important steps in your martial arts journey. A good teacher supports your physical and spiritual well-being and promotes self-development. A poor teacher can create confusion, frustration, and even unsafe habits.
Five traits of a great school:
- Understands your goals (or your child’s goals)
Are you looking for strict instruction, self-defense, fitness, personal development, or competition? Knowing your goals helps you find the right fit. - Well suited to you
Visit multiple schools to compare teaching styles and training methods. Preview classes before you commit—take an intro lesson or two if possible. - Good environment and location
Is it a traditional dojo or a gym? Is equipment safe and maintained? Is the drive realistic long-term? - Supportive attitude and culture
Talk to students, parents, and instructors. Look for a respectful, safe environment with clear standards. - High-quality instruction
The instructor should be skilled, well qualified, and able to teach—not just perform. Discipline should exist alongside clear, enjoyable lessons.
About the Florida Budokan The Florida Budokan is comprised of three dojo programs:
- Makoto Dojo — Karate
- Kashimon Dojo — Iaido
- Seibukan Dojo — Kyudo
Location, arrival, and parkingAddress: 37114 N. Thrill Hill Road, Eustis, Florida 32736
GPS tip: Please search “Kashimon Dojo” in your GPS to arrive correctly. Entering the house number may route you to a nearby house in front of our property with no access.
Gate and parking:
Visiting & trying classesCan I try classes before joining?
Yes. Potential students may try up to three (3) classes at no cost.
These may be:
Please read the website carefully, especially the Etiquette section.
Classes vs. joining a dojoWe live in a consumer-oriented world where it’s easy to view learning as a transaction: pay for classes and receive a product.
That works in many settings—like college courses. But a dojo is different:
Why we are a nonprofit & member supportWe believe training becomes muddied when “profit” becomes the primary motive. Schools that depend on enrollment numbers can feel pressure to accept anyone, lower standards, or promote for retention.
As a nonprofit educational organization, we depend on the support and involvement of our members and community. To sustain programs, maintain facilities, and keep tuition as low as possible, we may occasionally request volunteer help.
Volunteer spirit:
We kindly ask each member to contribute a few volunteer hours annually—helping at events, assisting with setup/cleanup, or supporting community activities that benefit everyone.
Age requirements
GPS tip: Please search “Kashimon Dojo” in your GPS to arrive correctly. Entering the house number may route you to a nearby house in front of our property with no access.
Gate and parking:
- The gate opens 30 minutes before class (a private residence is on the property).
- Drive to the rear past the front gate and main house.
- The dojo is behind the common building.
- Park on the grass in front of the common building, to the left of the paved driveway.
Visiting & trying classesCan I try classes before joining?
Yes. Potential students may try up to three (3) classes at no cost.
These may be:
- one class in each art (Karate, Iaido, Kyudo), or
- all three classes in the same art.
Please read the website carefully, especially the Etiquette section.
Classes vs. joining a dojoWe live in a consumer-oriented world where it’s easy to view learning as a transaction: pay for classes and receive a product.
That works in many settings—like college courses. But a dojo is different:
- The Sensei cannot be “bought.”
- The training has no finish line.
- The Way is not for sale.
Why we are a nonprofit & member supportWe believe training becomes muddied when “profit” becomes the primary motive. Schools that depend on enrollment numbers can feel pressure to accept anyone, lower standards, or promote for retention.
As a nonprofit educational organization, we depend on the support and involvement of our members and community. To sustain programs, maintain facilities, and keep tuition as low as possible, we may occasionally request volunteer help.
Volunteer spirit:
We kindly ask each member to contribute a few volunteer hours annually—helping at events, assisting with setup/cleanup, or supporting community activities that benefit everyone.
Age requirements
- Minimum starting age: 10
- No maximum age
- We do not offer an after-school childcare program.
Safety & supervisionSafety is the first objective in all training. Our dojo maintains a strong safety record through clear rules, careful supervision, and a culture where students are encouraged to speak up.
You may experience normal training soreness or bruises, but safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Private lessonsYes. Private lessons are available Monday through Friday during the day (usually mornings).
Ranking & testingIs there a ranking system in your Arts?
Yes. Qualified students may test annually at here or various locations worldwide through shinsa. Testing is optional and not required for continued practice.
The arts we teach
Kyudo (Japanese Archery)
Is Kyudo physically challenging?
Yes and no. Form and mindfulness can be challenging, but strength and stamina are not major barriers. Many people with knee, back, or shoulder limitations can still practice and excel.
Yes. We practice a mixed (yosoku) approach as outlined by the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai (DNKK).
Karate
Karate focuses on striking (punching, kicking, blocking) and includes:
You may experience normal training soreness or bruises, but safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Private lessonsYes. Private lessons are available Monday through Friday during the day (usually mornings).
- One-on-one instruction (about 45 minutes)
- Allows faster progress than group class (when appropriate)
Ranking & testingIs there a ranking system in your Arts?
Yes. Qualified students may test annually at here or various locations worldwide through shinsa. Testing is optional and not required for continued practice.
The arts we teach
Kyudo (Japanese Archery)
Is Kyudo physically challenging?
Yes and no. Form and mindfulness can be challenging, but strength and stamina are not major barriers. Many people with knee, back, or shoulder limitations can still practice and excel.
- Traditional seated form: zasha (seiza)
- Standing form also practiced: rissha
- Japanese bows (yumi) are asymmetrical and very tall (nearly 7 feet).
- Kyudo emphasizes courtesy, mindfulness, and spirit—not only hitting the target.
- Kyudo includes coordinated prearranged form and specific uniforms.
Yes. We practice a mixed (yosoku) approach as outlined by the Dai Nippon Kyudo Kai (DNKK).
Karate
Karate focuses on striking (punching, kicking, blocking) and includes:
- Kihon (basics)
- Kata (forms)
- Kumite (sparring)
Iaido (Japanese Swordsmanship)Iaido emphasizes calm spirit, concentration, and precise coordination while handling the sword. Training focuses on kata—prearranged forms against an imagined opponent—covering drawing, parrying, cutting, and safely returning the sword.
Will we be cutting targets?
Yes. We also practice tameshigiri (test cutting). Targets are typically soaked, tightly rolled tatami mats (makiwara). This reveals cutting mechanics that kata alone cannot.
How long until I’m “good”?Most students take several months to become minimally competent in fundamentals:
Which art should I study?A simple guide:
Training more than one artInitially, no.
Once a student reaches shodan (first-degree black belt) in one art, they may have the opportunity to study a second art with instructor recommendation.
Equipment (bows/arrows/sword)We provide basic equipment for new students until they’re ready to invest in personal equipment as recommended by the instructor.
Rank from other schoolsRank is often dojo- or organization-specific and standards vary widely. Prior rank may not transfer automatically.
Students are evaluated case-by-case. Many students will start at the beginning grade even if they have prior experience.
“Accreditation” in traditional budoMartial arts do not have a single accrediting agency like universities do. In Japanese budo, the closest equivalent is verifiable nonprofit governance and standards: clear rules, ethics policies, recorded minutes, and promotion checks and balances (often via panels of judges). Students should do due diligence and research any organization before committing.
Visiting another dojo: etiquette basics
Deshi and black beltDo I have to be a deshi to become a black belt?
Yes and no.
A deshi is an apprentice role with added responsibilities beyond technical training. Deshi candidates preparing for black belt may be asked to sign a voluntary apprenticeship agreement to learn leadership, dojo operations, and teaching development.
Membership & monthly tuitionWe do not use contracts and operate on minimal operational costs. We emphasize trust, honor, and personal responsibility.
Membership expectations:
Tuition is recommended during the first week of the month. Tuition Contributions may be tax-deductible under applicable IRS charitable contribution rules.
Not included in monthly Tuition:
Available to deshi who have reached shodan with recommendation.
Financial hardship:
If you have economic concerns, speak with your instructor. The inability to pay tuition is not a reason to be absent.
Will we be cutting targets?
Yes. We also practice tameshigiri (test cutting). Targets are typically soaked, tightly rolled tatami mats (makiwara). This reveals cutting mechanics that kata alone cannot.
How long until I’m “good”?Most students take several months to become minimally competent in fundamentals:
- Karate: kihon, kata and kumite
- Kyudo: Shaho Hassetsu and Taihai
- Iaido: basic handling and kata fundamentals
Which art should I study?A simple guide:
- Iaido — sword, precision, discipline
- Karate — fitness, self-defense, dynamic training
- Kyudo — mindful practice with a Zen-like quality
Training more than one artInitially, no.
Once a student reaches shodan (first-degree black belt) in one art, they may have the opportunity to study a second art with instructor recommendation.
Equipment (bows/arrows/sword)We provide basic equipment for new students until they’re ready to invest in personal equipment as recommended by the instructor.
Rank from other schoolsRank is often dojo- or organization-specific and standards vary widely. Prior rank may not transfer automatically.
Students are evaluated case-by-case. Many students will start at the beginning grade even if they have prior experience.
“Accreditation” in traditional budoMartial arts do not have a single accrediting agency like universities do. In Japanese budo, the closest equivalent is verifiable nonprofit governance and standards: clear rules, ethics policies, recorded minutes, and promotion checks and balances (often via panels of judges). Students should do due diligence and research any organization before committing.
Visiting another dojo: etiquette basics
- Arrive early; don’t join class unless invited.
- Observe quietly and follow what others do.
- Introduce yourself to the instructor and ask permission to practice.
- If unsure, sit in the lowest position (typically back row, left side facing the shomen).
- Never say “in my dojo we do it this way” and never instruct their members.
- Don’t practice kata without permission.
- After practice, thank instructors starting from the most senior.
Deshi and black beltDo I have to be a deshi to become a black belt?
Yes and no.
A deshi is an apprentice role with added responsibilities beyond technical training. Deshi candidates preparing for black belt may be asked to sign a voluntary apprenticeship agreement to learn leadership, dojo operations, and teaching development.
Membership & monthly tuitionWe do not use contracts and operate on minimal operational costs. We emphasize trust, honor, and personal responsibility.
Membership expectations:
- Maintain steady attendance
- If you need to withdraw temporarily or permanently, let the instructor know. Most students can return at any time.
- Annual invitations may be sent to students welcome for continued practice
Tuition is recommended during the first week of the month. Tuition Contributions may be tax-deductible under applicable IRS charitable contribution rules.
Not included in monthly Tuition:
- tameshigiri tatami
- testing
- seminars
- equipment
- uniforms
- Yearly Japanese organization and Insurance fee
Available to deshi who have reached shodan with recommendation.
Financial hardship:
If you have economic concerns, speak with your instructor. The inability to pay tuition is not a reason to be absent.